Lighting Fixture Having an Environmental Detection System

ABSTRACT

A lighting fixture is provided. The lighting fixture includes a light source and an environmental detection system. The environmental detection system is coupled to a continuous supply of electrical power. The environmental detection system includes one or more sensors operable to detect a parameter associated with a space in which the lighting fixture is located.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/123,498, titled “Lighting Fixture Having an Environmental DetectionSystem,” having a filing date of Sep. 6, 2018 which is based on andclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/562,762, titled“Lighting Fixture Having an Environmental Detection System,” having afiling date of Sep. 25, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lighting fixtures.

BACKGROUND

A lighting fixture can include a light source that provides illuminationfor a room or area in which the lighting fixture is mounted. The lightsource can be selectively coupled to a power supply (e.g., mains powersupply) via manipulation of a wall switch that is movable between atleast a first position and a second position. When the switch is in thefirst position, the light source can receive electrical power from thepower supply and can use the electrical power to illuminate the room orarea. When the switch is in the second position, however, the lightsource cannot receive electrical power from the power supply. In thisway, operation of the light source can be controlled via manipulation ofthe switch.

A smoke detector can be mounted in the room or area in which thelighting fixture is mounted. The smoke detector can include one or moresensors that receive electrical power from a battery positioned onboardthe smoke detection. However, since the sensors receive electrical powerfrom a battery, a user must regularly replace the battery to ensureproper operation of the smoke detector. Replacing the battery can be arather burdensome task, especially when the smoke detector is mounted tothe ceiling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will beset forth in part in the following description, or may be learned fromthe description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a lighting fixturethat includes a light source and an environmental detection system. Theenvironmental detection system is coupled to a continuous supply ofelectrical power. The environmental detection system includes one ormore sensors operable to detect a parameter associated with a space inwhich the lighting fixture is located.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method fordetecting an environmental condition associated with a room or areausing an environmental detection system of a lighting fixture mounted inthe room or area. The method includes receiving, at one or more controldevices of the environmental detection system, data from a sensor of theenvironmental detection system. The data can be indicative of anenvironmental parameter associated with the room. The method includesdetermining, by the one or more control devices, whether theenvironmental parameter is within a range approved values for theenvironmental. In response to determining the environmental parameter isnot within the range of approved values, the method further includesproviding notification indicative of an environmental conditionoccurring within the room or area.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a systemfor detecting an environmental condition associated with a room or area.The system includes a lighting fixture disposed within the room or area.The lighting fixture includes a light source. The system furtherincludes an environmental detection system disposed within the room orarea. The environmental detection system is coupled to a continuoussupply of electrical power. The environmental detection system includesone or more sensors operable to detect an environmental parameterassociated with the room or area.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill inthe art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to theappended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a lighting fixture according to example embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 provide a schematic of a circuit according to example embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 provides an environmental detection system for a lighting fixtureaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 provides a block diagram of an example control device accordingto example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 provides a schematic of a circuit according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 provides a schematic of a circuit according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 provides a schematic of a circuit according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 provides a schematic of a circuit according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 provides a flow diagram of a method for according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or moreexamples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example isprovided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of thepresent disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made to theembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentdisclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the presentdisclosure cover such modifications and variations.

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a lightingfixture. The lighting fixture can include one or more light sources(e.g., light emitting diode (LED) light sources) configured toilluminate a room in which the lighting fixture is mounted or located.The primary functionality of the lighting fixture can be to illuminate aspace.

In addition, the lighting fixture can include an environmental detectionsystem. The environmental detection system can receive electrical power(e.g., alternating current (AC) power, direct current (DC) power). Insome embodiments, the electrical power can be a continuous source ofelectrical power, irrespective of a position of a switching device usedto control power to the light source of the lighting fixture. Theenvironmental detection system can be used to detect an environmentalcondition (e.g., fire, carbon monoxide, etc.) occurring within the room.As discussed below, the environmental detection system can take one ormore actions based on the detected environmental condition.

In some implementations, the environmental detection system can includeone or more sensors configured to detect an environmental parameterassociated with the room. The environmental parameter can include,without limitation, a temperature of the room, a humidity of the room,presence and/or concentration of toxins (e.g., carbon monoxide) or otherharmful substances in the room, or any other suitable parameterindicative of an environmental condition occurring within the room.

The environmental detection system can also include one or more controldevices. As used herein, a control device refers to components used toperform computations and can include one or more processors and one ormore memory devices, etc. The control device can be used incommunication with the sensors. In this way, the control device canreceive one or more data signals from the sensors. In addition, thecontrol device can be communicatively coupled to other devices (e.g.,servers, user devices, control systems, etc.). In this way, the controldevice can communicate information (e.g., data signals collected fromthe sensors) to the other devices (e.g., servers, user devices, controlsystems etc.). For instance, the control device can communicate datafrom the sensors to a user device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, wearabledevice, etc.) for observation by the user.

The control device of the environmental detection system can communicatedirectly with other devices (e.g., using peer-to-peer communication)and/or with other devices over a network. The network can be anysuitable type of network, such as a local area network (e.g., intranet),wide area network (e.g., internet), low power wireless network (e.g.,Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc.), cellular network, or somecombination thereof and can include any number of wired or wirelesslinks. In general, communication over the network can be implemented viaany type of wired or wireless connection, using a wide variety ofcommunication protocols, encodings or formats, and/or protectionschemes.

Example communication technologies used in accordance with exampleaspects of the present disclosure can include, for instance, Bluetoothlow energy, Bluetooth mesh networking, near-field communication, Thread,TLS (Transport Layer Security), Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE, 802.11), Wi-Fi Direct(for peer-to-peer communication), Z-Wave, Zigbee, Halow, cellularcommunication, LTE, low-power wide area networking, VSAT, Ethernet, MoCA(Multimedia over Coax Alliance), PLC (Power-line communication), DLT(digital line transmission) , etc. Other suitable wired and/or wirelesscommunication technologies can be used without deviating from the scopeof the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the control device can be configured to controloperation of various output devices (e.g., a speaker, display screen,visual indicator, etc.) based, at least in part, on data collected viathe sensors of the environmental detection system. For instance, thecontrol device can be configured to perform a control action associatedwith emitting an audible alert or notification via the speaker of theenvironmental detection system. Alternatively or additionally, thecontrol device can be configured to perform a control action associatedwith communicating a notification (e.g., SMS text message, email, etc.)to a user device (e.g., smartphone, laptop, etc.). In this manner, auser can become apprised of an environmental condition (e.g., fire)occurring within a room or area in which the lighting fixture ismounted.

In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to controloperation of the one or more light sources of the light fixture based ondata signals from the sensor(s). For instance, the one or more controldevices can be configured to flash the one or more light sources inresponse to a detected environmental condition. More specifically, thedetected environmental condition can be a fire occurring within the roomor area in which the lighting fixture is located. Alternatively, thedetected environmental condition can be a carbon monoxide (CO) leakoccurring in the room or area.

Referring now to the FIGS., FIG. 1 depicts a lighting fixture 100disposed within a ceiling 120 that extends between a first surface 122and a second surface 124 along a vertical direction V. As shown, theceiling 120 can separate a first space 130 (e.g., positioned beneath theceiling 110) from a second space 140 (e.g., positioned above the ceiling110) along the vertical direction V. In some implementations, the firstspace 130 can include a room (e.g., kitchen, living room, etc.) of aresidential home, and the second space 140 can include an atticpositioned above the room.

The lighting fixture 100 can include a light source 110 to provideillumination for the first space 130. As shown, the light source 110 canbe disposed within the lighting fixture 100. In some implementations,the light source 110 can include one or more light emitting diodes (LED)devices or any other suitable light source. As discussed below,operation of the light source 110 can be controlled via manipulation ofa wall switch 150.

Referring briefly now to FIG. 2, the light source 110 can include apower circuit 112 configured to receive an input power from a powersupply 160 (e.g., an AC or DC power supply) and convert the input powerto an output power suitable for powering the light source 110. Inexample embodiments, the power supply 160 can be a mains power supply(e.g., AC power supply). Alternatively and/or additionally, the powersupply 160 can comprise a backup power supply (e.g., uninterruptablepower supply) configured to provide electrical power in the event themains power supply becomes inoperable due to, for instance, a poweroutage.

In some instances, the light source 110 can include an array of LEDlight sources, and the power circuit 112 can be configured to providedifferent driver currents to each of the LED light sources. Forinstance, the power circuit 112 can include one or more of amulti-channel driver circuit, a current splitter circuit, one or morecurrent regulators, and/or other devices that can be used toindependently provide a driver current to each of the LED light sources.

As mentioned above, the switch 150 can be used to control operation ofthe light source 110. More specifically, the switch 150 can be used toselectively couple the light source 110 to the power supply 160. Forinstance, in some implementations, the switch 150 can be a single polesingle throw (SPST) switch movable between a first position 152 and asecond position 154. When the switch 150 is in the first position 152,the light source 110 is decoupled (e.g., not in electricalcommunication) from the power supply 160. In contrast, when the switch150 is in the second position 154, the light source 110 is coupled tothe power supply 160. In this way, the switch 150 can be used toactivate (e.g., turn on) and deactivate (e.g., turn off) the lightsource 110.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the lighting fixture 100 can include anenvironmental detection system 200 according to example embodiments ofthe present disclosure. As shown, the environmental detection system 200can include one or more sensors 210 coupled to the lighting fixture 100and operable to sense an environmental parameter associated with thefirst space 130. For instance, the environmental parameter sensed by thesensors(s) 210 can include an amount of smoke present within the firstspace 130. In this way, the sensor(s) 210 can collect data that can beused to determine whether an environmental condition (e.g., fire) isoccurring within the first space 130. It should be appreciated, however,that the sensor(s) 210 can be configured to detect any suitableenvironmental parameter. For example, the sensors(s) 210 can be operableto detect an amount of carbon monoxide (CO) present within the firstspace 130. In this way, the sensor(s) 210 can collect data that can beused to determine whether there is a CO leak within the first space 130.

As shown, the environmental detection system 200 can include a speaker220. More specifically, the speaker 220 can be coupled to or locatedwithin the lighting fixture 100. The speaker 220 can convert electricalsignals into audible sounds. In some implementations, the speaker 220can be used to emit audible notifications (e.g., warnings) to one ormore persons within the first space 130. For instance, the speaker 220can emit an audible alert when it is determined that an environmentalcondition, such as a fire, is occurring within the first space 130.

As shown, the environmental detection system 200 can include one or morecontrol devices 230. In some implementations, the control device(s) 230can be coupled to the lighting fixture 100. As will be discussed belowin more detail, the control device(s) 230 can perform one or morecontrol actions based on data signals received from the sensors(s) 210.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of suitable components of the controldevice(s) 230. As shown, the control device(s) 230 can include at leastone processor 232 and associated memory device 234 configured to performa variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing themethods, steps, calculations and the like disclosed herein). As usedherein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuitsreferred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refersto a controller, microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logiccontroller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), aField Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and other programmable circuits.Examples of the memory device 234 can include computer-readable mediaincluding, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media,such as RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, or other suitable memorydevices.

The memory device 234 can store information accessible by theprocessor(s) 232, including computer-readable instructions 236 that canbe executed by the processor(s) 232. The computer-readable instructions236 can be any set of instructions that, when executed by theprocessor(s) 232, cause the processor(s) 232 to perform operations. Thecomputer-readable instructions 236 can be software written in anysuitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. In someimplementations, the computer-readable instructions 236 can be executedby the processor(s) 232 to perform operations, such as performing acontrol action associated with presenting an alarm or notification basedon an environmental parameter associated with the room or space in whichthe lighting fixture 100 is located. For instance, the processor(s) 232can perform the control action when the environmental parameter fallsoutside a range of approved values. The memory device 234 can furtherstore data 238 that can be accessed by the control device(s) 230. Inexample embodiments, the data 238 can include data indicative of theenvironmental parameter detected by the sensor(s) 210.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the control device(s) 230 can includea communications interface 240. In example embodiments, thecommunications interface 240 can include associated electronic circuitrythat can be used to communicatively couple the control device(s) 230with other devices, such as the sensor(s) 210 and the speaker 220. Insome embodiments, the communication interface 240 can allow the controldevice(s) 230 to communicate directly with other devices. In someembodiments, the communication interface 240 can provide forcommunication with other devices over a network 170 (FIG. 3).

Referring again to FIG. 3, the network 170 can be any suitable type ofnetwork. The network 170 can be any suitable type of network, such as alocal area network (e.g., intranet), wide area network (e.g., internet),low power wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee,etc.), or some combination thereof and can include any number of wiredor wireless links. In general, communication over the network 170 can beimplemented via any type of wired or wireless connection, using a widevariety of communication protocols, encodings or formats, and/orprotection schemes.

Example communication technologies used in accordance with exampleaspects of the present disclosure can include, for instance, Bluetoothlow energy, Bluetooth mesh networking, near-field communication, Thread,TLS (Transport Layer Security), Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE, 802.11), Wi-Fi Direct(for peer-to-peer communication), Z-Wave, Zigbee, Halow, cellularcommunication, LTE, low-power wide area networking, VSAT, Ethernet, MoCA(Multimedia over Coax Alliance), PLC (Power-line communication), DLT(digital line transmission) , etc. Other suitable wired and/or wirelesscommunication technologies can be used without deviating from the scopeof the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the control device(s) 230 can perform one ormore control actions associated with controlling operation of the lightsource 110. For instance, the control action(s) can include activating(e.g., turn on) or deactivating (e.g., turn off) the light source 110.More specifically, the control device(s) 230 can perform a controlaction associated with flashing (e.g., blinking) the light source 110 ata predetermined frequency. In this way, the light source 110 can be usedto provide a visual cue indicative of a detected environmental condition(e.g. fire).

Alternatively or additionally, the control device 230 can perform acontrol action associated with notifying an emergency provider of thedetected environmental condition. For instance, the control action cancomprise providing an automated message to a 911 operator. In this way,an emergency provider (e.g., policeman, fireman, emergency medicaltechnician (EMT), etc.) can be dispatched to the first space 130. Inaddition, the control device(s) 230 can perform a control actionassociated with operation of the power supply 160. For instance, thecontrol action can comprise deactivating the power supply 160 subsequentto notifying the emergency provider.

In some implementations, the control device(s) 230 can communicate witha user device 180 over the network 170. The user device 180 can be anysuitable type of device, such as, for example, a personal computingdevice (e.g., laptop or desktop), a mobile computing device (e.g.,smartphone or tablet), a wearable computing device, an embeddedcomputing device, a remote computing device, or any other suitable typeof computing device. The user device 180 can include one or morecomputing device(s) 184 with the same or similar components as describedabove with regard to the control device(s) 230. For instance, thecomputing device 184 of the user device 180 can include one or moreprocessors and one or more memory devices that store instructions thatare executable by the processor to cause user device 180 to performoperations, such as e.g., communicating one or more control signals overthe network 170 to the control device(s) 230. In this way, a user cancontrol operation of the light source 110 via the user device 180.

In some implementations, the control device(s) 230 can communicate datato the user device 180 via the communication interface 240. Forinstance, the control device(s) 230 can provide data captured by thesensor(s) 210 to the user device 180. The information (e.g., data) canbe displayed (e.g., via a display device) or otherwise presented (e.g.,via audio speakers) to the user through a suitable interface 182. Inthis way, a user can observe data collected by the sensor(s) 210.

In some implementations, the control device(s) 230 can communicate anotification or alert indicative of the detected environmental condition(e.g., fire) to the user device 180 via the communication interface 240.For instance, the computing device(s) 230 can communicate an electronicmessage (e.g., email, short message service (SMS) text message, etc.)indicating the detected environmental condition. In this way, a personusing the user device 180, such as a homeowner, can become apprised ofthe detected environmental condition.

As shown, the environmental detection system 200 can include a powercircuit 250 configured to receive an input power from the power supply160 and convert the input power to an output power suitable for poweringthe sensor(s) 210, the speaker 220, and the control device(s) 230. Insome embodiments, the power circuit 250 can be configured to providedifferent driving currents to the sensor(s) 210, speaker 220, and thecontrol device(s) 230. For instance, the power circuit 250 can includeone or more of a multi-channel driver circuit, a current splittercircuit, one or more current regulators, and/or other devices that canbe used to independently provide a driver current to the sensor(s) 210,the speaker 220, and the control device(s) 230.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a schematic of a circuit 500 is providedaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown,the circuit 500 can include a switch 510. In some implementations, theswitch 510 can be a single pole double throw (SPDT) switch movablebetween a first position 520 and a second position 530. It should beappreciated that the switch 510 can be the switch 150 discussed aboveand depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. When the switch 510 is in the firstposition 520, the environmental detection system 200 can receiveelectrical power from the power supply 160. However, when the switch 510is in the second position 530, both the environmental detection system200 and the light source 100 can receive electrical power from the powersupply 160. In this way, the environmental detection system 200 canreceive a continuous supply of electrical power from the power supply160 (e.g., mains power supply or backup power supply) regardless ofwhether the light source 110 of the lighting fixture 100 (FIG. 1) isactivated.

As mentioned above, the power supply 160 can comprise a mains powersupply (e.g. AC mains) for a building. In example embodiments, theenvironmental detection system 200 can be coupled to the mains powersupply via the switch 510. However, in some instances, the mains powersupply for the building may become inoperable due to, for instance, apower outage. In such instances, the environmental detection system 200can be coupled to a backup power supply (e.g., uninterruptable powersupply) via the switch 510. In this manner, the environmental detectionsystem can remain coupled to a continuous supply of electrical power.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a schematic of another circuit 600 isprovided according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Asshown, the circuit 600 can include a switch 610 movable between at leasta first position 620 and a second position 630. The circuit 600 alsoincludes a first power circuit 640 and a second power circuit 650. Whenthe switch 610 is in the first position 620, the first power circuit 640can receive an input power (e.g., AC power) from the power supply 160and can convert the input power to a suitable output power (e.g., DCpower) for the environmental detection system 200. More specifically,the first power circuit 640 can be configured to provide a drivercurrent Ito the environmental detection system 200.

When the switch 610 is in the second position 630, however, the secondpower circuit 650 can receive an input power (e.g., AC power) from thepower supply 160 (e.g., AC mains or backup power supply) and can convertthe input power to a suitable output power (e.g., DC power) for both theenvironmental detection system 200 and the light source 110. In someimplementations, the second power circuit 650 can be configured toprovide different driving currents to the light source 110 and theenvironmental detection system 200. For instance, the second powercircuit 650 can include one or more of a multi-channel driver circuit, acurrent splitter circuit, one or more current regulators, and/or otherdevices that can be used to independently provide a first driver currentIi to the light source 110 and a second driver current 12 to theenvironmental detection system 200. In this way, the environmentaldetection system 200 can receive a continuous supply of electrical powerfrom the power supply 160 (e.g., mains power supply or backup powersupply) regardless of whether the light source 110 of the lightingfixture 100 (FIG. 1) is activated.

As mentioned above, the power supply 160 can comprise a mains powersupply (e.g. AC mains) for a building. In example embodiments, theenvironmental detection system 200 can be coupled to the mains powersupply via the switch 610. However, in some instances, the mains powersupply for the building may become inoperable due to, for instance, apower outage. In such instances, the environmental detection system 200can be coupled to a backup power supply (e.g., uninterruptable powersupply) via the switch 610. In this manner, the environmental detectionsystem can remain coupled to a continuous supply of electrical power.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of one example method 900 fordetermining a condition associated with a room or area via anenvironmental detection system of a lighting fixture is providedaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure. In general,the method 900 will be discussed with reference to the lighting fixture100 and environmental detection system 200 described above withreference to FIGS. 1 through 3. However, it should be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method 900 cangenerally be implemented with lighting fixtures having any othersuitable configuration. In addition, although FIG. 9 depicts stepsperformed in a particular order for purposes of illustration anddiscussion, the method discussed herein can be omitted, rearranged,combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from thescope of the present disclosure.

At (902), the method 900 can include receiving, at a control device ofthe environmental detection system, data indicative of an environmentalparameter associated with the room or area in which the lighting fixtureis located. In example embodiments, the control device can receive adata signal from a sensor of the environmental detection system. Thedata signal can be indicative of the environmental parameter associatedwith a room or area in which the lighting fixture is located. In someimplementations, the data signal can indicate an amount of CO presentwithin the room or area.

At (904), the method 900 can include comparing, by the control device,the environmental parameter received at (902) against a range ofapproved values for the environmental parameter. In someimplementations, the method 900 can revert to (902) when the controldevice determines the environmental parameter associated with the roomor area is within the range of approved values. Alternatively, themethod 900 can proceed to (906) when the control device determines theenvironmental parameter associated with the room or area falls outsidethe range of approved values for the environmental parameter.

At (906), the method 900 can include performing, by the control device,one or more control actions associated with providing a notificationindicative of an environmental condition occurring within the room orarea. In example embodiments, the control action(s) can be associatedwith controlling operation of the light source of the lighting fixture.For instance, the control action can include blinking (e.g., flashing)the light source at a predetermined frequency. In this way, the lightsource can provide a visual indicator to one or more person within theroom or area. More specifically, the visual cue can indicate presence ofan environmental condition (e.g., fire) detected based, at least inpart, on the comparison of the environmental parameter against the rangeof approved values for the environmental parameter at (904).

Alternatively or additionally, the control action(s) can includecontrolling operation of the speaker of the environmental detectionsystem. For instance, the control action can include broadcasting anaudible indicator or alert over the speaker. In this way, the speakercan provide an audible indicator or cue to one or more persons withinthe room or area. More specifically, the audible indicator can indicateoccurrence of the environmental condition (e.g., fire) within the roomor area.

In some implementations, the control action(s) can include communicatingan electronic message (e.g., email, short message service (SMS) textmessage, etc.) over the network to one or more user devices. Morespecifically, the electronic message can be provided to interestedparties (e.g., homeowner, 911 dispatch operator, etc.). In this way, theinterested parties can become apprised of the detected environmentalcondition and take the appropriate actions to resolve the environmentalcondition.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific example embodiments thereof, it will be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the presentdisclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, andthe subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of suchmodifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matteras would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting fixture, comprising: a light sourceselectively coupled to a continuous supply of electrical power via aswitching device; and an environmental detection system coupled to thecontinuous supply of electrical power via the switching device, theenvironmental detection system comprising one or more sensors operableto detect an environmental parameter associated with a space in whichthe lighting fixture is located.
 2. The lighting fixture of claim 1,wherein the environmental detection system is coupled to a mains powersupply via the switching device, the mains power supply configured toprovide the continuous supply of electrical power.
 3. The lightingfixture of claim 2, wherein when the mains power supply is inoperable,the environmental detection system is coupled to a backup power supplyvia the switching device, the backup power supply configured to providethe continuous supply of electrical power.
 4. The lighting fixture ofclaim 1, wherein the environmental detection system further comprisesone or more control devices having one or more processors and one ormore memory devices, the one or more memory devices storing instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform operations, the operations comprising: receivingdata indicative of an environmental parameter associated with a room orarea in which the lighting fixture is mounted; determining whether theenvironmental parameter is within a predefined range of valuesassociated with the environmental parameter; and responsive todetermining the environmental parameter is not within the predefinedrange of values, providing a notification indicative of an environmentalcondition occurring within the room or area.
 5. The lighting fixture ofclaim 4, wherein the notification is communicated over a wired orwireless connection to an output device capable of emitting an audiblealert or a providing a visual cue indicative of the environmentalcondition.
 6. The lighting fixture of claim 4, wherein the notificationcomprises at least one of a visual notification and an audiblenotification, the visual notification associated with flashing the lightsource at a predetermined frequency, the audible notification associatedwith emitting an audible sound via one or more speakers of theenvironmental detection system.
 7. The lighting fixture of claim 6,wherein the output device is a portable electronic device capable ofemitting or projecting a visual cue indicative of the environmentalcondition via an electronic display.
 8. The lighting fixture of claim 7,wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone.
 9. Thelighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises one ormore light emitting diode (LED) light sources.
 10. The lighting fixtureof claim 1, wherein the environmental parameter comprises at least oneof a presence of mold spores, pollen, dust, natural gas, radon,radiation, or chemical fumes within a room or area in which the lightingfixture is mounted.
 11. A method for using an environmental detectionsystem of a lighting fixture to detect an environmental conditionassociated with a room or area in which the lighting fixture is located,the method comprising: receiving, at one or more control devices, datafrom a sensor of the environmental detection system, the sensor coupledto a continuous supply of electrical power, the data indicative of anenvironmental parameter associated with the room or area; determining,by the one or more control devices, whether the environmental parameteris within a predefined range of values associated with the environmentalparameter; and responsive to determining the environmental parameter isnot within the predefined range of values, manipulating the switchingdevice.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the environmental parametercomprises at least one of a presence of mold spores, pollen, dust,natural gas, radon, radiation, or chemical fumes within a room or area.13. The method of claim 11, wherein manipulating the switching devicecomprises moving the switching device from a first position to a secondposition.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the environmentalparameter comprises at least one of an amount of smoke present withinthe room or area and an amount of carbon monoxide present within theroom or area.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the continuous supplyof electrical power comprises alternating current (AC) power.
 16. Asystem for detecting an environmental condition associated with a roomor area, the system comprising: a lighting fixture disposed within theroom or area, the lighting fixture comprising a light source selectivelycoupled to a continuous supply of electrical power via a switchingdevice; an environmental detection system disposed within the room orarea, the environmental detection system coupled to the continuoussupply of electrical power via the switching device, the environmentaldetection system comprising one or more sensors operable to detect anenvironmental parameter associated with the room or area, wherein theenvironmental detection system further comprises one or more controldevices having one or more processors and one or more memory devices,the one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executedby the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors toperform operations, the operations comprising: receiving data indicativeof an environmental parameter associated with the room or area in whichthe lighting fixture is mounted; determining whether the environmentalparameter is within a predefined range of values associated with theenvironmental parameter; and responsive to determining the environmentalparameter is not within the predefined range of values, providing anotification indicative of an environmental condition occurring withinthe room or area.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the environmentaldetection system is coupled to a mains power supply via the switchingdevice, the mains power supply configured to provide the continuoussupply of electrical power.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein when themains power supply is inoperable, the environmental detection system iscoupled to a backup power supply via the switching device, the backuppower supply configured to provide the continuous supply of electricalpower.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the notification wherein thenotification is communicated over a wired or wireless connection to anoutput device capable of emitting an audible alert or a providing avisual cue indicative of the environmental condition
 20. The system ofclaim 19, wherein the output device is a portable electronic devicecapable of emitting or projecting a visual cue indicative of theenvironmental condition via an electronic display.